I choose the first option. And inside of me, I feel my heart freeze.
I put my legs on his lap and lean with my head on his chest. He surrounds me with his arms, kissing the top of my head.
Danny
Something’s wrong. I felt it, saw it in Hailey’s eyes.
All night, I had imagined what it would be like to meet her, what it would be like to look into her eyes. It’s as if fate had listened to me.
Seeing her on the beach had been a unique emotion like a mirage. I wanted to hug her. Just touching her, my body went up in flames, and my heart went crazy.
Even though she avoided looking at me, her eyes were sad. She was crying, and I felt useless because I couldn’t help her. She must have quarreled with her husband.
She’s married, but the fact that she came right here, subconsciously, tells me that maybe she sees me at least as a friend. And even if I can’t have more, that would be enough.
It’s morning now. I’ve been thinking all night about seeing her more, but without her husband getting suspicious.
And that’s when the idea comes to me.
I pick up the phone and call her.
She answers on the third ring. “Yes, hello,” she yawns. God, how I wish I were there to see her wake up.
“Hi, Hailey. It’s Danny.” I hear the sound of sheets, and I wish I wasn’t imagining her leaving the bed in her underwear.
“Wait,” she whispers, and I hear her going down the stairs. “Is everything alright?”
“Of course. Listen, I have a great project in mind, and I need your help.”
“Gladly, Danny.” I smile.
“Are you okay for a coffee? Together with your husband, of course.”
“Okay, no biggie. Tonight we leave for Hong Kong for a week. Then we’re free.”
I hear his voice in the background and a snap. I imagine he kissed her, and I clench my fists in anger.
“Is he there?”
“Yes, Jeremy’s here. Why?”
“Can you put me on speakerphone?” I ask, and I hear a click.
“You’re on speakerphone.”
“Good morning to you, Jeremy. Excuse me, my name is Danny Hastings.”
“Hastings? Why does that name sound so familiar to me? Oh, the writer Hastings?”
“Yes sir,” I reply through gritted teeth.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. My wife is an avid fan of yours.”
I smile. “I understood that from her article. Listen, I’m starting an important project, and I’d like to collaborate with Hailey. Would it be possible to meet you guys for a coffee?”
“I think so. Tonight we’re going away for a week. So, either this morning or in a week. Whenever you want,” Jeremy says in a tone so sure of himself that it gets on my nerves.
“I live in Malibu. Where can we meet? This morning is just fine for me.”
